Studio A’s few dozen seats were filled on Sunday night by people there to hear the meandering tunes of Juno-winner Shari Ulrich. In the intimate space, they got the backstories too. Like how some were inspired by reconnecting with a son she gave up for adoption, and others by what her twenty-something self though it would be like to be an older woman. Between swapping out harmonicas and tuning guitars, a fiddle and a mandolin, the crowd lapped it up.
Ulrich, on a solo tour along the Crowsnest Highway, opened the show with a song she recorded with her daughter, Julia, as part of Julia’s master’s project at McGill.
The veteran musician, who moved to Canada from California in the 70s, wasn’t shy about playing the classics of her catalogue either. Though, she was quick to admit that she would need help from the audience remembering some verses.
The show was Studio A’s first concert since renovating after the flood. The space proved cozy and welcome to audience-artist conversation, which Ulrich indulged in with wry smiles. Though, the warm from 60 people was no match for the sputtering air conditioner. Eventually, Ulrich ended her first set for a water and fresh air break. Some were satisfied with using the records they had bought as personal fans.
More live music coming to the lake
Local volunteer organization Alive! Entertainment Group is bringing northern B.C. folk/roots artist Naomi Shore to Lisa’s Lake House at Christina Lake on June 10. Shore, who loves storytelling and sad songs, will bring an honest and vulnerable performance to the Lake.
With her duo project, Twin Peaks, Shore has toured most of Canada as well as the East Coast of Australia. In 2015, Twin Peaks was awarded the Western Canadian Music Award for Roots Duo/ Group Recording of the Year for their album Trouble.
Tickets are available in advance at the Source in Grand Forks or Lisa’s Lake House, or the day of the show at the door. Artists interested in contacting Alive! should do so via the Facebook page.